Sumitomo Chemical India Limited has informed that the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has uploaded an order on its website instructing the company to restrict and close its operations at the company’s Bhavnagar site. 

GPCB has laid down certain conditions and has asked the company to fulfil the same. The company has already fulfilled several of the conditions laid down by GPCB and is already in the process of taking necessary steps to comply with other instructions and to resume operations at the Bhavnagar site as soon as possible. 

There was an accident at the Bhavnagar site of the company on 24th February, 2023 at around 2.29 PM. The location was a Multi Product Plant producing two products, which was not operational at that point of time. However, in one of the vessels in the plant, solvent distillation was being undertaken. The accident was caused by over pressurization of the vessel and it was followed by fire and smoke. Fire was brought under control within approximately 20 minutes by the company's emergency response team. Subsequently, the local fire brigade team and other authorities visited the site to assess the situation and support the company’s efforts. The company management is taking all possible response measures and government authorities have been suitably informed and visited the location. 

There were no casualties. There were two persons having minor burn/cut injuries and such persons have been checked medically at hospital and discharged after first aid. There are other two persons having burn injuries and the doctors initial advice is that these persons are required to undergo medical treatment in hospital and expected to be released in a few days. Best possible medical facilities and treatment care are being provided to the injured. 

As the specific plant was not operational at the time, based on preliminary assessment by the company, no material commercial or production loss is expected. The assessment for loss of damage to the plant is being undertaken. The company has adequate insurance coverage for the assets in the premises of the said plant including loss of profit coverage. The company will undertake detailed assessment for cause and counter measures will be implemented, as appropriate.